Organised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA) is the pinnacle award and platform to recognise individuals, organisations and leaders who have achieved excellence in giving.
The PVPA People of Good awards category shines a light on individuals who are exceptional givers and have volunteered their time, talent and voice to make our community a better place. Recognising students, adults and seniors, these giving heroes show age is no barrier to contribute to the City of Good.
People of Good (Student) Category – J’den Teo
“Someone once told me, with so much darkness in this world, it won’t hurt to bring a little light to brighten this world.”
J’den is a young artist who founded TAD Charity. Through his art, he has fundraised $94,192 for various children’s charities over the last 3 years through initiatives such as the Small Act Big Difference Charity Art Exhibition and the Bringing Smiles, Touching Heart Charity Dinner.
Passionate and selfless, he believes everyone’s contributions, however small, can create a positive impact in others’ lives and make the world a better place. J’den also hopes to inspire youths to make giving a part of their lifestyle. He actively advocates the giving message through school talks and fundraising events, encouraging his fellow peers to adopt a “charity starts with me” mindset.
People of Good (Open) Category – Nazhath Faheema
Nazhath Faheema’s giving efforts range from helping budding entrepreneurs, to advocating for social harmony through hash.peace, which she founded in 2015. Hash.peace has grown from a solo youth initiative to an advocacy group with 10 to 15 members actively promoting inter-ethnic and inter-belief understanding.
In 2021, the group became a registered society expanding its efforts to encourage responsible advocacy that forges better understanding between different communities in Singapore. Hash.peace is well-known for its “hashing sessions”, where youths concerned about race and religion come together for open and deep interpersonal conversations.
Faheema is also Chairperson of Jamiyah Singapore Youth Group – the youth wing of a Muslim missionary society engaged in social welfare work. She leads youth leadership development programs and youth volunteers for Jamiyah’s welfare services such as the food bank. This year she mentored the Jamiyah youth committee in organising the first ever ASEAN youth unconference that virtually gathered over 100 youths from around the region.
She inspires people with her ability to balance her volunteering efforts, full-time job in an NGO and being a role model for her children.
People of Good (Senior) Category – Lydia Tan
“Gratefulness is the experience of a great fullness of life. Anyone can be a volunteer in ways that we find our calling.”
Lydia Tan has been volunteering with Assisi Hospice since March 2015, dedicating 1,600 hours to the senior residents of the hospice. From befriending patients to assisting the staff with patient care duties such as bed sponging and feeding, Lydia’s presence brings joy to the people around her.
She is also a ward volunteer lead for the No One Dies Alone (NODA) programme, holding bedside vigils for terminally ill patients, and has cared for young patients as part of the palliative paediatrics volunteer group. With her natural warmth, patience, and kindness, she lends her strength to those who need it the most.
Interested to learn about our other PVPA 2021 winners? Click here to read about:
Winners of PVPA 2021 Leaders of Good awards
